Knicks' $13M tenacious NBA champion likely to be traded amid uncertain future with organization

The New York Knicks have several things to figure out this season, with some decisions potentially impacting the immediate future of the organization. Among the most notable are the contract extensions for Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns.

However, they aren't the only players eligible for extensions. Tyler Kolek and Miles "Deuce" McBride can also sign new deals.

"Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek are all extension eligible, and the Knicks have until June 30 to get deals done with them," Bleacher Report's Mike Chiari wrote.

The biggest obstacle is the second apron, and owner James Dolan has made it clear that the Knicks will not exceed it. New York wants to extend Hart and Towns, but doing so will require careful financial planning to avoid putting the team in a difficult position.

"Bobby Marks says that scenarios have been presented to the Knicks where Josh Hart and KAT (both CAA) accept contracts that keep the Knicks under the second apron in 2027-28. He says KAT's comments Monday irked Dolan, which prompted today's statement," New York Post's Stefan Bondy wrote.

With those financial constraints in mind, the Knicks may need to trade a player to make the numbers work. The Stein Line's Marc Stein believes McBride could be dealt at some point during the season.

"One more important Knicks topic: Rival teams continue to describe McBride as a likely trade candidate as the season unfolds given the uncertainty surrounding his own Knicks future. McBride's $3.9 million salary for 2026-27, given the minimal salary that would take to match, is bound to generate interest from teams between now and the Feb. 11 trade deadline that want to acquire the 26-year-old before he hits free agency next June 30," Stein wrote.

McBride has spent his entire NBA career with New York after being drafted by the Knicks. However, the business side of the NBA can be complicated, and financial constraints can lead to difficult decisions.

McBride is currently under contract for $13 million. If the Knicks decide to move him, they could explore trade options while he still holds value around the league. With the team's financial situation becoming increasingly tight, a trade could be one way to create more flexibility.